Angel Reese to Miss Unrivaled's Second Season
Chicago Sky star Angel Reese will not be suiting up for the second season of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league created by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The news comes as no surprise, given that Reese has been sidelined with a back injury throughout her sophomore WNBA season.
Reese's team, Rose BC, won the inaugural season of Unrivaled, and she was named Defensive Player of the Year. In a recent episode of her podcast, "Unapologetically Angel," Reese expressed her gratitude to the league for its impact on her development and wished it well for the upcoming season.
Reese is not the only high-profile player who will be sitting out Unrivaled's second season. Jewell Loyd of the Aces and Kayla McBride of the Lynx have also announced their absence, as well as Sky free agent Courtney Vandersloot, who is recovering from an ACL tear.
Despite the lack of some big names, Unrivaled's roster remains a strong one, featuring 80% of the All-WNBA first- and second-teamers. The league will begin its second season on January 5th, and fans can still expect to see several familiar faces, including Sky assistant coach Rena Wakama and free agent Rachel Banham.
The reduction in spots for Unrivaled from 56 to 48 has been met with some criticism, with some labeling the league as no longer "elite." However, the league's creators argue that this change will allow them to be more selective and attract even the top talent.
Other notable absences include two of the biggest names in women's basketball: A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark.
Chicago Sky star Angel Reese will not be suiting up for the second season of Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league created by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The news comes as no surprise, given that Reese has been sidelined with a back injury throughout her sophomore WNBA season.
Reese's team, Rose BC, won the inaugural season of Unrivaled, and she was named Defensive Player of the Year. In a recent episode of her podcast, "Unapologetically Angel," Reese expressed her gratitude to the league for its impact on her development and wished it well for the upcoming season.
Reese is not the only high-profile player who will be sitting out Unrivaled's second season. Jewell Loyd of the Aces and Kayla McBride of the Lynx have also announced their absence, as well as Sky free agent Courtney Vandersloot, who is recovering from an ACL tear.
Despite the lack of some big names, Unrivaled's roster remains a strong one, featuring 80% of the All-WNBA first- and second-teamers. The league will begin its second season on January 5th, and fans can still expect to see several familiar faces, including Sky assistant coach Rena Wakama and free agent Rachel Banham.
The reduction in spots for Unrivaled from 56 to 48 has been met with some criticism, with some labeling the league as no longer "elite." However, the league's creators argue that this change will allow them to be more selective and attract even the top talent.
Other notable absences include two of the biggest names in women's basketball: A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark.
. Its a great lesson about prioritizing your health over your passion for the game, you can't pour from an empty cup so to speak. And I'm curious if her experience will help others who do come back next season 
. On the other hand, it's interesting how some people are still salty about the reduction in spots 
... maybe its time to realize that not every "elite" league has to be huge to be great 
I'm low-key disappointed about Angel Reese not suiting up for Unrivaled's 2nd season... but also kinda relieved 'cause her back injury is no joke 
. The league still has an amazing roster, though - 80% of the All-WNBA team members? That's like, a no-brainer 
! I'm all about the new format too, even if some people are salty about it... more selective spots can only mean better basketball 
. And don't even get me started on A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark not being part of it... what's up with that?! 
Anyways, January 5th can't come soon enough - I'm hyped for the new season! 
#Unrivaled #WNBA #BasketballLovers #NewSeasonVibes
SHE WAS SUCH A HUGE PART OF THE FIRST SEASON AND I LOVED WATCHING HER DOMINATE ON THE COURT 
BUT I GUESS YOU CAN'T KEEP GOING WHEN YOU'RE SIDELINED WITH AN INJURY, RIGHT? 
.
also omg rachel banham is back!!! i loved watching her play on the aces last season. btw have u guys seen angel reese's podcast lately? she talks so much about her life and stuff its kinda crazy 
. 80% of the All-WNBA first and second teamers on one roster? That's like a WNBA dream team in itself 
. But come on, A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark are OUT 
? That's like losing two generational talents in one swoop. Guess we'll just have to wait and see how this season unfolds 
.
. Anyway, I'm still hyped for January 5th, gonna be fun to watch the pros go at it! 
The reduction to 48 spots is probably a good thing too, less drama and more talent at each team. I don't get why people say Unrivaled is no longer elite just 'cause they took away some roster spots... sounds like a excuse to me 
And with Jewell Loyd and Kayla McBride also taking a break, you'd think there would be more superstars showing up for this league 
. And seriously, where's the talent in A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark? Two of the biggest names in women's basketball benchwarmed because of a 3-on-3 league 
she was literally one of my favorite players last season 
but at the same time I get why she needs to sit this one out with that back injury 
it's just so frustrating when we don't get to see our fave athletes compete 
anyway I'm hyped for the rest of the league, especially Rose BC 
56 teams is a lot, but I guess it made sense that some would be missing from this 2nd season 
also, who else is gonna watch a league without Angel Reese, Jewell Loyd, and Kayla McBride? 
I mean, i know they're all dealing with injuries, but still...some big names are missing 
, but I guess that back injury was a major setback 
... still super hyped for the upcoming season tho! They got some amazing players like Rena Wakama and Rachel Banham who will definitely bring the heat 
... what do you guys think about this news? 
she was having such a great impact on the game and it's a shame she has to sit out due to her injury 
hopefully she'll make a full recovery by next season 
. I do agree with the changes they made to the league tho, 48 spots is still gonna bring some of the best talent together, gotta keep it real 